RISI RETURNS, 2013-SPEC FERRARI BREAKS COVER — For Ferrari lovers, the Winter Test was a significant occasion as it not only marked the return of Risi Competizione after a one-year hiatus, but also the public debut of the 2013-spec Ferrari F458 Italia, which features a handful of upgrades over its WEC championship-winning predecessor.

The 2013-spec Ferrari F458 Italia features aerodynamic updates, including a cutout in the splitter. (Photo: John Dagys)

The most noticeable change comes in the front-end, which now sees a cutout in the splitter. Other developments include new dive planes at the front and rear of the car, revised front louvers and relocated brake ducts.

"They did quite a bit of testing on it, aerodynamically and track testing,” Risi Competizione technical director Rick Mayer explained. “Gimmi Bruni, who did a lot of the testing, thought it was better. It's a positive thing.

"It's something we've been wanting to do since the [Ferrari] 360 days. The splitter had been the same for the most part, a big flat piece."

The changes seemed to make a positive impact, as Ferraris ended the test 1-2 in GT, led by the brand-new No. 62 machine of Olivier Beretta and Matteo Malucelli.

"We have tried to optimize the best we can on the experiences from last year,” said Beretta, who drove an AF Corse Ferrari F458 in the WEC last year. “The car will be competitive but everyone is working hard.”

Both Risi and pair of Extreme Speed Motorsports Ferraris were running to 2013 ACO specification at the test and are expected to continue in that configuration for the season.

NEWS & NOTES FROM THE PADDOCK

** The only major incident of the two-day test came on Friday morning, when Johannes van Overbeek slammed his No. 01 Extreme Speed Motorsports Ferrari F458 Italia into the barriers in Turn 3. JvO was unhurt, although the car did not return to action, having sustained extensive damage.

** Ferrari factory driver Toni Vilander is expected to rejoin van Overbeek and Scott Sharp in the No. 01 ESM Ferrari for Sebring next month, with Anthony Lazzaro also slated to climb back behind the wheel of the No. 02 car with Guy Cosmo and Ed Brown for the ALMS season opener.

** Longtime Krohn Racing motorsports manager Jeff Hazell is no longer with the team, with the veteran F1 and sports car team seen exploring the Sebring paddock for new opportunities. The team, currently based in Braselton, Ga., appears to be a potential GT addition to the grid for Sebring prior to its return to the WEC in GTE-Am.

** Eric Bachelart was another familiar face in the Sebring paddock, with the Conquest Racing team owner hoping to put a last-minute deal together to field an ALMS entry this year, possibly either in the PC or GTC ranks. Bachelart was forced to send his P2 class-winning Morgan-Nissan back to OAK Racing late last month.

** A number of teams are expected to be at Sebring on Feb. 21 for an additional, non-series sanctioned test, including a surprise entrant that looks set to confirm its participation in the ALMS season-opener.

John Dagys is SPEED.com’s Sportscar Racing Reporter, focusing on all major domestic and international championships. You can follow him on Twitter @johndagys or email him at